Having yet to find a babysitter, one set of visiting grandparents very kindly offered yesterday, so we could go out for our anniversary. Not having been out at all on our own since our arrival, both of us didn’t really want to do the usual spending the whole evening at a posh restaurant as there’s too much exploring to do, so we settled instead for a wander around the Christmas Markets and took pot-luck on food in a bierkeller.
We somehow started off at the Medieval Christmas Market, which sold everything you could possibly imagine on the theme, from big hunks of suckling pig, to stalls selling protective battle-wear (which might come in handy for Christmas shopping), swords, and wooden cups. It was packed and reminded us both of Glastonbury for some reason. Then we took a walk up to another more traditional Christmas market selling everything from half metre bratwursts and glühwein, to the obligatory lebkuchen or gingerbread hearts. This particular market had a section with moving figurines depicting scenes from fairy tales. I am happy to report that Spit the Dog is still alive and well and now enjoying a new seasonal career in Germany.
After this we were ready for some food so ventured into one of Munich’s vast and amazing bierkellers, I have no idea what it was called but it was enormous and well worth the visit (I can give you directions if necessary)!
When I was a teenager, I had several waitressing jobs in various country pubs. Now don’t get me wrong, it did get busy, and there were times when we felt run off our feet, but in comparison to the waitresses of Munich bierkellers, we had it incredibly easy. I can’t believe how organised and professional these girls are, looking after around 60 tables alone in our section. They can expertly balance trays of beers in one hand, and vast plates of food in the other, without so much as a huff or a rolling of eyes (as was common practice in my waitressing capacity!)…
A couple of beautiful helles (light biers), a plate of suckling pig and potato dumplings later, we were sufficiently stuffed. But not stuffed enough that we couldn’t manage the local speciality pudding a big pan of kaiserschmarrn, which consists of pancakes fried in butter with raisins, apples and sugar – delicious! Well it was damp and cold outside, we did need some kind of inner thermal protection! As far as anniversaries go, it was one of the best yet. We were even serenaded by the two above, who weren’t quite playing traditional Bavarian music as one might expect. In this picture they are actually playing Mary’s Boy Child….
A great night, in a city that I am quickly falling in love with…
The Honourable Husband says
I think you’ll find that you ate in Zum Franziskaner. Near the Opera, right?
The coronet and euphonium guys shook us down for a couple of quid, too!
Happy anniversary!
bavaria says
Yes I think that’s the name of the place! Thanks very much :)
Kitty B says
Happy Anniversary and what a lovely way to celebrate! Have fun exploring your new city…x
bavaria says
Thanks Kitty! :) Xx
Pia says
ah, an anniversary spent exploring a christmasy Munich – it sounds perfect! happy anniversary, emma :)
bavaria says
It was a wonderful evening, thank you :)
www.sweetwhisperdreams.blogspot.com says
i had trouble with my comment—i’ll try again. i liked your posts—we just came back from italy, austria, and munich…..enjoy germany.
bavaria says
Sorry you had trouble! Thanks for taking the time to comment twice though! Emma :)
English Mum says
Aww I’m so glad you’re happy.. It sounds like an amazing place. And I always wondered where Spit the dog had gone…
bavaria says
Thank you, what a lovely comment… :) xx
Midlife Singlemum says
Happy Anniversary!
bavaria says
Thank you! :)
Mañana Mama says
Happy anniversary! What better place to be in December than Munich, sigh :)
bavaria says
Thank you! I know, we are very lucky! :)